A Guide to Luxury Family Travel in Vietnam

The best experiences for a family trip to Vietnam are those that invite each family member to engage with one another as well as the world around them.

Depending on each family’s interests and ages, we might recommend a combination of culture, history and nature based activities. Try craft workshops and water puppet shows, or savour the flavours of cooking classes and street food tours. Get a feel for each destination on private cruises, farm visits, kayaking trips, cycling adventures or any number of other experiences that can be personalised as needed.

There’s a vast diversity of destinations throughout Vietnam, each with its own appeal and array of activities; lively cities, historical landmarks, picturesque coastlines and remote idylls beckon. Here are our picks of the best places to visit in Vietnam for families.

Hoi An is a fantastic place to visit with kids of all ages, and particularly little ones. Its pedestrian-friendly Old Town offers a laidback atmosphere and plenty of fun activities, like silk lantern making with local craftspeople and hands-on cooking lessons with chefs. 

The surrounding area is also lovely. You can cycle through the countryside, visit nearby farms and even have dinner on a floating bamboo raft. Anantara Hoi An is one of our favourite family hotels in Vietnam and a perfect home base for exploring the city.

Need to know: Some of the best beaches for families in Vietnam are within easy reach of central Hoi An, including An Bang.

Set in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is an alluring amalgamation of art, culture and cuisine. It’s especially ideal for food-loving families who want to sample authentic local delicacies. Here you can explore night markets, visit beloved cafés and sample treats like bánh mì, phở and iced coffee.

We highly recommend attending a traditional water puppet show at the renowned Thang Long Theatre. You can also meet a local puppeteer to learn about his career and try out this ancient art form for yourself.

Need to know: Stay at a family-friendly hotel like the Sofitel Legend Metropole, just a short walk from the Thang Long Theatre, or La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel for exceptional dining.

Halong Bay is home to some of the country’s most recognisable scenery: emerald-green water, towering limestone karsts and rocky islands draped in verdant plant life. It’s a top spot for family adventure holidays in Vietnam, offering kayaking, hiking, snorkelling, cave tours and cruises. 

We suggest spending a few nights aboard the Bhaya Legend III or Bhaya Legend IV. These luxurious private vessels can accommodate families of various sizes and welcome children of all ages – although this is an especially exciting experience for older kids and teenagers.

Need to know: The best time of year to cruise through Halong Bay is spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) for optimal weather.

As the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh is a hub of culture, history and heritage. It’s a wonderful place to learn about the country’s complex past and dynamic present through museum visits, architectural tours and day trips to nearby destinations.

Multi-generational families with a wide range of interests will find plenty to do here and in the surrounding area. The Mekong Delta is within easy reach of the city, as are the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels: a great place to explore with kids and adults alike.

Need to know: The glamorous Hotel des Arts Saigon offers interconnecting rooms for families, babysitting services and a children’s menu at The Albion restaurant.

Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is absolutely brimming with historical sites. You and your family can visit the intricate Imperial City within the walled citadel, tour royal tombs and have lunch at the former home of a real-life princess.

We also suggest cycling to the beautiful Thanh Toan Bridge and taking a scenic sunset cruise on the Perfume River. These activities are usually best suited to older children who are interested in learning about history, architecture and art.

Need to know: Azerai La Residence is an elegant riverside hotel where younger guests can enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool and children’s play areas.

In order to create the perfect family itinerary in Vietnam, we always take into account the specific circumstances of each group. This means considering not only ages, but also energy and mobility levels, dietary preferences and any specific likes or dislikes. 

If you’re travelling with young children, we might recommend daytime city tours instead of night markets in Hanoi. Families with teenagers often prefer active experiences that allow for independent exploration, like cycling around Hue or snorkelling in Halong Bay.

As for accommodation, multi-generational groups may feel most at home at larger hotels like the Sofitel Legend Metropole where there’s a wide variety of things to do and an abundance of space. For families of 3–4 people we might suggest a boutique hotel like Capella Hanoi.

If there are conflicting opinions or interests, consider lengthening your trip and including different destinations that excite each family member. For instance, you can combine the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh, the lovely countryside around Hoi An and the epic outdoor adventures of Halong Bay for a well-rounded journey that keeps everyone engaged.